“For I was hungry, and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.” (Matthew 25:35)
In Genesis 18, the passage we were in last Sunday, I was struck by the details of Abraham’s hospitality. He actually set the standard for hospitality by his actions that day. Let us take a look at them. In the ordinary course of this very hot day, he saw three men standing nearby and welcomed them. He was ready to be hospitable. He knew travelers would be tired and encouraged them to rest in the cooling shade of the tree, where water would be provided to wash their dusty feet. Abraham continued by having food prepared and then offered it to them to refresh them before they continued on. The food took time to prepare, as bread, roasted calf meat, yogurt, and milk were made. And then Abraham served them while they ate in the shade of the trees. Of course, there is more to this story, but it is important to note that, even today, Middle Eastern hospitality is well known.
My husband and I experienced this hospitality in Egypt during a ministry trip there. We were invited to eat in the home of Egyptian believers who had been attending the training. We were warmly welcomed and sat down at a large table filled with delicious flatbread, falafel, hummus, chicken kebabs, mango (Egyptian mangoes are the best), and much more. It was a wonderful meal, and we cleaned our plates. Then they put out more food, and though we were full, we ate it because we wanted to be good guests. This continued until one of the hosts explained to us that an empty plate meant we weren’t full, and we should leave a small portion on the plate to show we were full. We all laughed when we explained why we finished all of our food. Then, when we returned to the family where we were staying, they had even more sweets, fruit, and pastries waiting for us! Lessons enjoyed and learned. And we felt very welcomed!
Jesus Himself called us to be hospitable. When He spoke of the final judgment in Matthew 25, He said that being hospitable to a stranger was the same as being hospitable to Him. In verse 40, He said, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.” This certainly gives a whole new perspective on how God views it. It doesn’t just have to happen in our homes, but everywhere we are. Being hospitable can include rejoicing with a neighbor or even weeping with them. It can be as simple as taking fresh scones to a neighbor just because you responded to the nudge of the Holy Spirit. It means stepping outside of our doors and looking for opportunities to be hospitable.
I have seen this in friends in our life group who go above and beyond to help others in need, believers and non-believers alike. It is inspiring to hear about God’s providence in these stories. One example of hospitality I have seen is at the home of our daughter and her husband. Almost always, when we visit them, someone is there who is not a family member. They are always ready to welcome and be hospitable to friends of their adult children, creating an atmosphere of trust, generosity, and love. They are called to hospitality, and God will use that!
Consider how God will call you into hospitality. Help each other be on the lookout for opportunities to be hospitable. Create a welcoming atmosphere in your home to model for your children. Remember who was hospitable to you and pay it forward!
Prayer: Father, please open my eyes to see ways to answer this call to hospitality. May You use it for Your purpose to draw people into Your forever family. Cause this to be a sign to others of who You are and how You love them. We ask it in Your name, Amen.
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member